Career: Construction and Building Inspectors
As a construction or building inspector, you’ll carry a lot of responsibility. You will inspect the construction sites of homes, office buildings, bridges, and other structures to decide if the builders are following the building code and if the structure is safe. Specialists called home inspectors look closely at homes that people hope to buy. Their verdict on a home’s foundation, electrical system, or overall safety can make or break a sale.
You have to know a lot about construction materials and methods, electrical and mechanical systems, and building code to work as an inspector. And you won’t learn everything at school; you’ll need several years’ experience in construction before you begin this career.
Construction and building inspectors examine new and old structures to make sure that they are built soundly and follow building codes and other laws.
Did You Know?
- Inspectors may specialize in different areas of construction, such as plumbing or electrical systems.
Are You Ready To...?
- Use survey instruments, metering devices, and other equipment
- Inspect wiring, plumbing, electrical circuits, sewers, heating systems, and foundations
- Keep detailed records
- Review and interpret plans, blueprints, and specifications
- Take measurements of structures and fixtures
- Issue violation notices and stop-work orders
- Recommend ways to fix violations
It Helps to Be...
Attentive to detail, in good physical shape, honest, and cool under pressure. Practice stopping problems before they even happen.
Make High School Count
- Sign up for challenging math classes, which will come in handy if you take engineering or architecture courses after high school.
- Take physics for the same reason.
- English classes are extremely important. As an inspector, you’ll need good communication skills to read blueprints and building code; make reports; and inform building owners and construction contractors of violations.
- Help build the sets for the school play.
- Volunteer with programs like Habitat for Humanity.
Did You Know?
- Local government was the biggest employer of construction and building inspectors in 2006.
Outlook
Government economists expect jobs for construction and building inspectors to grow faster than the average for all occupations through 2016.
One reason is growing concern for green design, public safety, and improvements in the quality of construction. Plus, home inspection is becoming a standard practice in the home purchasing process, creating more opportunities.
Compensation
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates the average yearly earnings of construction and building inspectors were $52,160 in 2008.
